What can I do to prevent global warming?

Question

Help, me and my son are trying to find ways to help stop gobal warming for at least X0 or 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 years. Any advice?

Answer 1

Invent a new energy source. Conservation will not do it. Car pooling will not do it. Driving less will not do it. Taking the bus will not do it. Recycling will not do it. Planting trees will not do it. Buying energy efficient appliances will not do it. Conservation will only delay, not stop it. Only total cessation of all burning of coal, oil and gas would stop it. If we cut emissions in half, all we do is delay the warming until twice as long in the future, not stop it. Anyway, we will need to find some energy source besides oil even if global warming were not a problem, because eventually oil will run out.

So study science and engineering and invent some great new way to make energy. Make cheap, efficient solar cells or make fusion reactors work or invent something else nobody has even imagined yet.

Answer 2

Well, the time frame seems a bit extreme! :)

But what can you actually do? Here's a suggestion: save money.

I'm totally serious--so read on. Some suggestions may not be right for you--but some will. And while most require an up-front investment, all will save you even more in the long run. Some are big--some little:

>switch to energy efficient light bulbs
>as appliances wear out, replace them with energy-efficient models
>Install insulation in your home
>makesure windows, doors, etc. are sealed with weatherstripping
> plant trees, bushes to shade your house, or install awinings to do the sam--or build a poarch that keeps the sun off the house as much as possible. (This needs explaining: each square meter (a bit more than a square yard) of surface is being hit by sunlight equal to the heat put out by a medium space heater. That can be the equivalent of about 20-30 space heaters heating the building on a sunny day. No kidding! And a lot of the heat will get in--and a good bit of that heat will get to the inside of your house)
>install solar energy system (this is a high ticket item--but does pay off)
>when it comes time to trade in the car(s) opt for fuel-efficiet models
>keep your gadgets (all of the above) properly maintained
>plan driving to minimize distance
>consider public transit if available for what you need.
>don't leave stuff on when notin use (you'd be surprised how many people miss this one)
>make sure plumbing is in good order--if your hot water heater keeps running, that wastes eergy as well as water).

Answer 3

For starters, stop using electrical appliances for almost all hours of the day. That wasted energy contributes more fossil fuels being burned. Save your energy. Use fluorescent bulbs. Use solar cells to heat your water if you haven't already. Next, recycle your recyclable trash. Cans, plastic bottles, paper, anything with "must be recycled" message. But there's more. If you drive and you're the only one that travels in your vehicle, consider taking the bus, the subway or the streetcar instead for long distances, that way, less auto emissions will occur and less CO2 will be sent in the air. For short distances, walk or use a bicycle. Those two modes don't pollute and they keep you fit. If you don't drive alone, use the vehicle when it's absolutely necessary. Plant a tree or two in your yard. Trees help to keep carbon dioxide levels in check. Finally, do not use and/or dispose of anything contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as freezers, aerosols, air conditioners and old refrigerators. These gases kill the ozone layer and thus allow harmful UV rays to enter the atmosphere. This helps to significantly heat up the earth's surface. If you have to use them however, use them wisely.

Answer 4

Recently released report, cell phones are a major problem for the environment, the electronics and LCD's are toxic when thrown away. They are being produced so cheaply that large numbers are starting to find their way to landfills where the heavy metals and toxins are starting to pollute the planet. If you care anything about your environment you will do your part and not support this big business. They are making huge profits by polluting our planet. The only responsible thing to do would be to never buy or use a cell phone. If you own one find a Hazardous material recycle in your area and get rid of them. Same problem with IPODs and MP3 players.

Answer 5

Recycle, conserve energy by turning lights off when not in use or walk whenever you can, don't use plastic grocery bags ( it can take up to 1000 years for some of them to degrade), don't leave the water running when not in use, change to energy efficient light bulbs,......Did you know recycling one can will produce enough energy to run your TV for three hours?

Answer 6

drive as little as possible - if you have to use a car, carpool, or use public transit. recycle as much as possible. throw as little away as possible. also, certain kinds of trees can help combat global warming. find out what kinds of trees are best, and grow well in your area, and plant them.

Answer 7

recycle, turn off appliances when theyre not inuse,buy energy efficent appliances, use lights only when you really need them, spread the word around, throw all of your organic trash in yuor garden, it's natural free fertilizer. sounds nasty, but it cuts down on waste in the world.

Answer 8

You can find 51 things you can do in this week's Time magazine - just buy it at the bookstall.

Bramble.

Answer 9

Recycle, petition, start a club, anything is possible. Remember a little can go a long way.

Answer 10

If getting a hybrid car is not in your future, check out these websites:

http://www.campaignearth.org/entertainment_personas.asp
http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/
http://www.climatesolutions.org/
http://www.climatecrisis.net/